Abbey is married to Stoke City striker Peter Crouch, who scored his team’s winning goal against Aston Villa earlier in the day. She told presenter Bruce Forsyth their two-year-old daughter Sophia “will love this”.

The Liverpudlian’s overwhelmed dance partner Aljaz, who made his debut on the BBC show this year, told her: “ I can’t believe it. What a journey.

“I can only thank you, you’ve been incredible.”

Breakfast TV host and bookies’ favourite Susanna, 43, put on an amazing show with her flaming hot paso doble but ended up in third place, behind former Coronation Street actress Natalie Gumede, 29.

Singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor, 34, was the first finalist to be voted off.

Abbey – who has extended her work with Matalan – has also been snapped up by underwear brand Ultimo in a £250,000 deal.

But all the finalists are set to cash in after the success of the 11th series.

As well as taking away their £75,000 fee – and £100,000 for champ Abbey – the girls will rake in another £52,000 each for going on the three-week Strictly tour.

Meanwhile, the West End beckons for Natalie, Susanna is set to become the highest-paid female TV presenter after hinting that she would move on from BBC Breakfast and Sophie’s album sales are expected to rocket.